Wound infection: diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Abstract

A priority in wound care is preventing wound infection, because this can cause delays in healing and increase the risk of hospital admission. Moreover, the diagnosis of a wound infection is not always straightforward, and the presence of biofilms may mean that an infection is particularly challenging to treat. This article outlines the main aspects of diagnosing, treating and preventing wound infections. It explains that treating wound infection is multifactorial and may include topical antimicrobials, antibiotics and wound bed preparation techniques. The author discusses various preventative measures that can support patients and healthcare organisations, while also contributing towards effective antimicrobial stewardship.